I got my Christmas present early.
I’m DEFINITELY still learning how to use it, but I’m excited to have it. The irony here is, you’ll notice the photos on this tutorial are not the greatest. Welcome to my classroom, where I am not yet the star pupil.
The first big problem I encountered, besides the need for more regular exercise so I can lift this beast, is that I am going to lose this.
I take this cover off the lens and leave it everywhere. I had the camera for about 4 days before I was considering checking the price on replacing it. Lucky for me, I came up with a better idea while I still knew where it was. Instead of waiting until I lost it, I made it a little pouch that slides onto my camera strap.
You can print out the pattern here. Choose two fabrics, one for the outside and one for the lining. You’ll also need medium weight iron-on interfacing.
Cut one of the oval piece from the outside fabric, one from the lining and one from the interfacing. Cut one half-oval from the outside fabric, one from the lining and two from the interfacing. Cut one of the rectangle from the outside fabric. Cut one piece of Velcro 3/4” by 1 1/2”.
You may notice the grayed-out area on this next photo. Originally, I also cut thin, cotton batting to cushion the pouch, but honestly, I forgot to use it. When I was done I was actually glad. I think it would have been too bulky.
Apply the oval interfacing to the oval outside piece. Apply one half-oval to the top of the lining oval. Apply the other half-oval to the half-oval outside piece.
The half-oval in the following photo should be red dots, which is my outside fabric. Sorry, my brain hurts.
Fold the rectangle in half, right sides together so it measures about 3” by 2 1/2”. Stitch with a 1/4” seam.
Twist to one side to center the seam and stitch across one end.
Turn. Press. Turn raw end to the inside 1/4”. Pin to outside oval, 2 1/2” from the top and centered. Stitch both short sides close to the edge and again 1/4” from the edge.
Stitch the Velcro to the lining oval 1/2” from the edge and centered on the end with interfacing. Stitch the other piece to the outside half-oval 1” from the straight edge and centered.
Stitch the outside and lining half-ovals together at the straight edge, right sides together.
Turn right side out, press and topstitch.
Layer the pieces: outside oval, right side up; half ovals, lining up; lining oval, right side down and Velcro at top. Stitch around the outside edge, leaving an opening near the top for turning.
Turn. Press, turning in the opening. Topstitch around edge.
I used Velcro for the closure so I could open and close the pouch with one hand. So far, it’s working out great and I am still the proud owner of a lens cover.
These would make great gifts for the photography enthusiast on your list. Because you know they’re very hard to shop for. Me, I need a Photography for Dummies book.
Cheryl
/ November 29, 2010This is such a good idea – I am always forgetting where I put ours when I’m taking photos.
cherokeebydesign
/ November 29, 2010I have lost several over the years, I usually just stick it in my pants/shirt pocket when I take it off.
I’m thinking they are about $4-6 now…..the bigger the lens cap the more $$$ of course.
You had a great idea, maybe you should try to market them.
Now get out there and take some pics.
photobyholly
/ November 29, 2010What a GREAT idea!! I am always worrying about losing my lens cap – I usually stick it in my pocket, but what if there is no pocket?? You should definitely look into marketing these, they are handy, AND cute!!
Stacy
/ November 29, 2010This is a great idea! Have you looked http://photography.about.com/ for photography help? They have a great section in there that explains it all. I go there quite often as I’m still learning too
CraftyStaci
/ January 10, 2011Thanks for the link, Stacy (great name, BTW!). I’ve got it saved and I’ll be reading!
Baking Soda
/ November 30, 2010Excellent idea! Needed an extra present for the hubby (who always sticks it in his shirt pocket/trouser pocket but whenever I use it I misplace it and endure a couple of moments of stress until I find it again. (Hmmm looks like it’s a present for me after all… nooooo
Anne
/ December 1, 2010This is such a great idea! I have lost a couple by having them fall out of my pocket. Thank you!
Rachel
/ December 6, 2010Ooh great idea! Thanks for the pattern, I’ll be spreading the word.
carolyn
/ December 7, 2010Thank you so much for this tutorial. Such a fantastic idea. I have made Christmas gifts for everyone in my family except my dad. This is a perfect idea for him. Think I’ll make one for myself too.
Bethany Saunders
/ December 7, 2010Thank you so much for posting this! My sister is a photographer and I have been wracking my brain trying to think of a Christmas/Birthday gift for her. This is something I would have never thought of but it is perfect!
Kristy
/ December 7, 2010Thanks for this! I, too, just got a new camera and am also concerned about losing the cap! Moving this to the top of the never-ending-to-make list!
wendy
/ December 8, 2010What a great idea!! I’m adding that to my list of things to make for prezzies. Thanks
Lisa
/ December 10, 2010This is such a good idea, I’m alway paranoid about losing the lens cap
Randi
/ December 10, 2010Brilliant! I’m always leaving my lens cap lying around. Thanks so much for sharing!
Valerie
/ December 19, 2010I tried to make this but somehow ended up with my lining in upside down and I can’t get my outline to be circulat, I think I need to work on my stitching rounded edges. I will try it again. Thanks for the tutorial!!
CraftyStaci
/ January 10, 2011Valerie, did you get this to come out right? If you need more help, just send me an e-mail!
La Tortue du Ptit Bois
/ January 15, 2011Good idea! Thanks for sharing it!
Richelle
/ February 9, 2011Love love love this tutorial. I saved it a few weeks back as a “to do” project and finally made it tonight. I love it. It turned out great. Thanks for the awesome easy to follow tutorial!!!
CraftyStaci
/ February 10, 2011I’m so glad to hear this worked out for you Richelle!
Maria Rugani
/ June 1, 2011this might be easier to follow if your layering instructions read: layer the pieces — outside oval, right side up with topt at top; half ovals, FOLDED AT THE SEAMLINE (wrong sides together) and lining side up, lined up at the bottom; lining oval, right side down with Velcro at top.
Just a suggestion.
Luann
/ January 2, 2012I can’t get the pattern to download, any way you could email it to me! Tired of sticking in places and then forgeting it!
CraftyStaci
/ January 4, 2012I don’t see an email address for you Luann. The pattern is a PDF, so you’ll need some sort of PDF reader on your computer – is that why it’s not coming up?
Agnes
/ February 5, 2012Great tutorial ! What is the width of your camera strap ? Mine is 2.5 inch maybe your pattern is too small for me. Thanks
CraftyStaci
/ February 7, 2012These will fit a strap up to 1 3/4″, possibly 2″ if the strap is flexible, but you can make it fit a wider strap by increasing the width of the rectangle that’s used for the loop on the back. I’ve done it for several customers on the ones I sell on Etsy. Good luck!
Grace
/ April 11, 2012I just found your site and am planning to make the lens pouch. Great idea!
I also have a Canon EOS 60D and bought the book “Canon EOS 60D: From Snapshots to Great Shots” by Nicole S. Young. It is a great tutorial where Nicole leads you through the various steps from setting up your camera, to taking portraits, landscapes, and more. There is even a flickr group to show off your accomplishments.
CraftyStaci
/ April 12, 2012Thanks Grace! I’ll have to look for that book. I have “Canon EOS 60D Digital Field Guide” by Charlotte K. Lowrie, but I’m always willing to learn more!